Despite signing a deal with the team just a week ago, the San Francisco 49ers will cut cornerback Eli Apple just in time for the start of the NFL preseason. According to the breaking news, the 49ers are making room for defensive lineman Michael Dwumfour, who is getting another stint with the 49ers. Apple was listed at the bottom of the depth chart either way, so there wasn’t a realistic chance of him making the roster. Originally selected in the 2016 NFL Draft, the former Ohio State product has been a journeyman for most of his career after spending two of his first professional seasons with the New York Giants.
Since he became notorious for his trash talk on the field, he hasn’t been able to back that up despite only having two strong seasons in the league. Apple is probably heading towards the end of his NFL career if he doesn’t improve, so it’s hard to imagine that he will earn another long-term contract until he proves that he can be a reliable corner for a team that needs some bolstering in the secondary unit. There are several cornerbacks, like Rasul Douglas, who are better options, but Apple is the more obvious cheaper candidate. He’ll likely receive a one-year contract, and these teams might snag him before the 2025 campaign.
Breaking: 49ers Cut Former First-Round Pick Eli Apple – 5 Suitors Emerge
Possible Next Teams
Dallas Cowboys
Even though Kaiir Elam is turning heads, the Dallas Cowboys still need some type of new life in the secondary. Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland are on the hot seat entering the 2025 regular season, so it’s troubling to think that the Cowboys will lean on guys like Elam and Robert Rochell if Diggs and Bland can’t step up. They should sign someone like Apple, who is not going to start, but could fill the hole in rotation.
Baltimore Ravens
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens always love getting plenty of cornerbacks, no matter the occasion. Between Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins and Jaire Alexander, the Ravens have a strong core group to make an impact. Despite signing Chidobe Awuzie, he’s probably one of the weaker corners. Apple isn’t any different, but it could help Awuzie in the zone.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers had one of the best secondaries in the league last year. However, they lost Kristian Fulton, but made up for it by signing Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste. Apple returning to the Chargers will only make sense if it’s nothing more than $1 million for a one-year deal.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints are in dire need of a cornerback before they start their regular season. Between Kool-Aid McKinstry and Alontae Taylor, the team needs the depth to be successful in overturning the ball. Apple doesn’t need to be the most impactful player, just enough to keep the cornerback room afloat.
Carolina Panthers
For the Carolina Panthers, they have two solid cornerbacks in Jaycee Horn and Michael Jackson, but they still had one of the worst rooms statistically this past season. Even though they’ve signed Tre’von Moehrig to salvage the safety unit, they need some more corners. Apple isn’t starting for the Panthers, but he has experience with several teams to add some type of relief for the Panthers.
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